WomensHealth
  • News
  • Health
  • Fitness
  • Sex & Love
  • Food
  • Lifestyle
  • Weight Loss
  • Women In Sport
  • Podcasts
  • Subscribe
  • Video
WomensHealth
  • News
  • Health
  • Fitness
  • Sex & Love
  • Food
  • Lifestyle
  • Weight Loss
  • Women In Sport
  • Podcasts
  • Subscribe
  • Video
This Simple, Effective Ab Workout Will Shred Your Six-Pack
Watch 0:23

This Simple, Effective Ab Workout Will Shred Your Six-Pack

{headline}

{headline}

Feel Out Of Breath After One Flight Of Stairs? Suzy Walsham Runs 86 In 12 Minutes

Feel Out Of Breath After One Flight Of Stairs? Suzy Walsham Runs 86 In 12 Minutes

Halle Berry’s ‘John Wick’ Training Regime Was So Intense She Broke Three Ribs

Halle Berry’s ‘John Wick’ Training Regime Was So Intense She Broke Three Ribs

The Subscription-Based Workout Kate Hudson Is Obsessed With

The Subscription-Based Workout Kate Hudson Is Obsessed With

'I Went From Boxercise To The Boxing Ring In Just Six Weeks'

'I Went From Boxercise To The Boxing Ring In Just Six Weeks'

{headline}

{headline}

Ashley Graham Has A Simple Hack That Will Make Cardio Workouts Way Easier

Ashley Graham Has A Simple Hack That Will Make Cardio Workouts Way Easier

Here's Exactly What To Eat On Your Rest Day

Here's Exactly What To Eat On Your Rest Day

6 Genius Ways to Avoid The Winter Workout Rut

6 Genius Ways to Avoid The Winter Workout Rut

{headline}

{headline}

5 Surprising Benefits Of Taking Up Taekwondo

5 Surprising Benefits Of Taking Up Taekwondo

Celebs Are Obsessed With This New Workout Trend - But Is It Legit?

Celebs Are Obsessed With This New Workout Trend - But Is It Legit?

These Are The 7 Best Workout Moves To Boost Your Metabolism

These Are The 7 Best Workout Moves To Boost Your Metabolism

Here's How This Woman Transformed Her Butt In 11 Months

Here's How This Woman Transformed Her Butt In 11 Months

The Eating And Exercise Regime Behind Scarlett Johansson’s Body

The Eating And Exercise Regime Behind Scarlett Johansson’s Body

Exactly What Margot Robbie Eats To Get Red Carpet-Ready

Exactly What Margot Robbie Eats To Get Red Carpet-Ready

The Strength Workout That Helped Brie Larson Get THAT Body

The Strength Workout That Helped Brie Larson Get THAT Body

  1. Home
  2. Fitness

11 Women That Will Inspire You To Take Up Taekwondo

Knock outs. - by Kristy Hitchens
  • 05 Apr 2018
11 Women That Will Inspire You To Take Up Taekwondo
Buffy

If EVER you needed:

  • Encouragement to make Taekwondo a part of your life
  • Inspiration to help you achieve what you NEVER thought possible
  • OR just that satisfyingly smug feeling that comes with knowing that as a member of the #Taekwondo tribe, YOU. ARE. AWESOME...

Then fix your fierce tiger glare on the list of incredible women below who have all attained dizzy heights in their chosen field or profession AND who just so happen to ALSO have a Black Belt or higher in Taekwondo.

Knock yourself out.

Carmela Hartnett

She is the first Australian female to receive an 8th Dan Black Belt in Taekwondo and Australia’s most prolific international medal winner. Grand Master Carmela Hartnett has had a prestigious competition career in both poomsae (patterns or forms) and sparring contests winning over 70 international medals across both forms. She has won the national championships an amazing 15 times, State Championships over 20 times and Commonwealth champion three times. In poomsae Carmela has won the TI World Championships twice. In 2000, Carmela was named in Australia's team of the Century by the National Governing Body, to honour the top 16 Taekwondo athletes ever produced in the country. In 2005 she was inducted into the National Athlete Hall of Fame. In between continuing to coach and referee at an elite level, Carmela also instructs weekly at her own classes in Perth.

Adena Friedman

She’s a Wall Street leader, the first female executive of US Stock Exchange operator Nasdaq AND a Taekwondo Black Belt. The Mortal Mouse is quietly chuffed to read that Adena decided to get involved in the sport after watching her children participate from an early age, figuring she would get off the sidelines and make it a family activity. Adena is widely quoted on the benefits her Taekwondo training has provided to her high level business role, in particular learning “self-reliance” and “leadership skills”.

adenatfriedman View Profile
165 likes - View Post on Instagram
An excerpt from a recent @fastcompany profile (link in bio): "If someone gives you an opportunity, you better maximize it so that he wants to give you the next one," Friedman says, reflecting back on her early years at Nasdaq. A senior manager was impressed by her work ethic, and began giving her more and more responsibility. "I was always first in, last out, but not inefficiently," she says... "I had that attitude of, 'I'm early in my career. I want them to know that I'm here for them no matter what.'" [Photo: Celine Grouard for Fast Company] #igniteambition #bebold

Hwang Kyon-Seon

South Korean athlete and first woman EVER to win three Olympic Taekwondo medals. Gold in 2004 and 2012 and Bronze in 2008.

Arlene Limas

Holding a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, Arlene Limas is a 5th Dan Black Belt in Taekwondo and Kung Fu and made history at the 1998 Seoul Olympics when she became the first American that year to win Olympic Gold. It was also the year, Taekwondo made its Olympic debut as an exhibition sport. She is undefeated nationally and a member of the Taekwondo Hall of Fame. Arlene is now runs her own martial arts school in Virginia.

newstaekwondo View Profile
49 likes - View Post on Instagram
#LeyendasOlímpicas #Seúl1988 #65kg‬ 👆 #GOLD #ArleneLimas #USA #SILVER #KimJi-Sook #KOR #BRONZE #CoralBistuer #ESP #BRONZE #SonnySeidel #GER 👆 #‎Rio2016‬ ‪#‎olympicgames‬ ‪#‎태권도‬ #taekwondo ‪#‎tkd‬ ‪#‎kukkiwon‬ ‪#‎worldtaekwondofederation‬ ‪#‎WTF‬

Julia Cross

6th Dan Black Belt from Scotland, World Taekwondo Champion six times, European Champion 15 times. In fact, her achievements are unparalleled in International Taekwondo Federation history! Julia retired from competition after 30 years in the sport in 2010 due to ongoing, career devastating hip injuries. Despite having had two hip replacements, she still teaches at her own full-time Taekwondo school of 160 students, travels all over the world teaching seminars AND works as a guest speaker to raise awareness about mental health issues having suffered depression after being forced to give up competing. Still a champion then!

Katheryn Winnick

Most famously known for her fierce Vikings series character Lagertha, Katheryn Winnick is a 3rd Dan Black Belt in Taekwondo and a 2nd Degree Black Belt in Karate. She started martial arts at the age of 7 and by 13 had her first Black Belt. By 16 she had opened her first martial arts school and by 21, had opened another two. These days, in addition to her acting career, Katheryn has joined forces with brother Adam to further develop their dedicated women’s self defence academy in Toronta, Canada called Win Kai Self Defense.

katherynwinnick View Profile
145.2k likes - View Post on Instagram
Last episode for Vikings Season 5A is tomorrow.. you ready?

Kubra Dagli

A 21-year-old Taekwondo champion from Turkey who claimed gold at a 2016 World Taekwondo Championship in Peru. Her victory however was over-shadowed by her decision to compete wearing a hijab or headscarf. The decision sparked national conversation and Kubra unwittingly became a symbol of anti-discrimination in women’s sport, herself “disturbed” by the level of interest in her dress as opposed to her professional ability.

Milla Jovovich

Actor Milla Jovovich has a 3rd Dan Black Belt in Taekwondo and has even passed her love of the sport onto her daughter who also began her Taekwondo training at just three years old. Milla is also trained in the use of martial arts weapons, Brazilian Ju-Jitsu, Karate and Kickboxing.

millajovovich View Profile
92.8k likes - View Post on Instagram
Post hair/makeup, pre dress!😉 feeling amazing after my awesome glam squad did me right for the @montblanc party tonight in nyc! Make up: @therealistdotti hair: @sergenormant I'll post a pic of my dress in a bit!😊 #newyorkdiary

Sarah Michelle Gellar

The American actor best-known for her lead role in the cult television series of the 90s, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, also has a Black Belt in Taekwondo. By all accounts, she undertook extensive martial arts training after receiving the role to help make her fight scenes more realistic.

sarahmgellar View Profile
129.3k likes - View Post on Instagram
I'm not a Princess. I don't need saving. I'm a Queen. I got this shit handled. #internationalwomensday

Sloane Cameron

Once quietly earning a living in computer software sales, 30-year-old Sloane Cameron is now a 4th Dan Black Belt in Taekwondo AND recognised as the world’s BEST female power breaker. She became a powerful advocate for the advancement of women’s sport when in 2015, she was not allowed to compete in the power breaking world’s most prestigious competition in Korea because of her gender and was forced to lobby for change. In 2016, the decision was revisited and Sloane was able to compete. Sloane began her training at the age of 9, gaining her Black Belt in 1999. She currently holds the world record for women’s concrete and board foot power breaking and teaches at her new school Northwest Ninja Park in Oregon, USA – some of its most iconic obstacles featuring in American Ninja Warrior.

Tiffiny Hall

Tiffiny is an Australian journalist, author, television presenter, fitness coach and a 6th Dan Black Belt in Taekwondo – one of the highest qualified female martial artists in the world for her age. Tiffiny’s parents, Martin and Jeanette, are highly qualified and recognised martial artists and run Halls Taekwondo – a dedicated training facility in Melbourne.

tiffhall_xo View Profile
1,796 likes - View Post on Instagram
Feeling feisty and fresh after a TIFFXO workout and is it just me or is this pose a little high fashion 💁😎😂 Who has pressed play today? Commit with your time and tag your accountability buddy 🙌 ❌⭕️️ ~ #tiffxo #happyfit #getstrong #presplay #healthylifestyle #motivation #fitnessjourney
Kristy Hitchens
Kristy Hitchens
Kristy Hitchens is a Taekwondo blogger mum who writes about her often comical experience as a middle aged martial artist in the hope of encouraging others to discover for themselves the whole-of-life benefits this type of training delivers. She is also Founder of Pink Belt Project which empowers women in need with free Taekwondo.

Subscribe Now-

Subscribe Now
Subscribe Now

Subscribe Now-

Subscribe Now
Subscribe Now

Recommended to you

This Simple, Effective Ab Workout Will Shred Your Six-Pack
Watch 0:23

This Simple, Effective Ab Workout Will Shred Your Six-Pack

{headline}

{headline}

Feel Out Of Breath After One Flight Of Stairs? Suzy Walsham Runs 86 In 12 Minutes

Feel Out Of Breath After One Flight Of Stairs? Suzy Walsham Runs 86 In 12 Minutes

Halle Berry’s ‘John Wick’ Training Regime Was So Intense She Broke Three Ribs

Halle Berry’s ‘John Wick’ Training Regime Was So Intense She Broke Three Ribs

The Subscription-Based Workout Kate Hudson Is Obsessed With

The Subscription-Based Workout Kate Hudson Is Obsessed With

'I Went From Boxercise To The Boxing Ring In Just Six Weeks'

'I Went From Boxercise To The Boxing Ring In Just Six Weeks'

{headline}

{headline}

Ashley Graham Has A Simple Hack That Will Make Cardio Workouts Way Easier

Ashley Graham Has A Simple Hack That Will Make Cardio Workouts Way Easier

Here's Exactly What To Eat On Your Rest Day

Here's Exactly What To Eat On Your Rest Day

6 Genius Ways to Avoid The Winter Workout Rut

6 Genius Ways to Avoid The Winter Workout Rut

{headline}

{headline}

5 Surprising Benefits Of Taking Up Taekwondo

5 Surprising Benefits Of Taking Up Taekwondo

Celebs Are Obsessed With This New Workout Trend - But Is It Legit?

Celebs Are Obsessed With This New Workout Trend - But Is It Legit?

These Are The 7 Best Workout Moves To Boost Your Metabolism

These Are The 7 Best Workout Moves To Boost Your Metabolism

Here's How This Woman Transformed Her Butt In 11 Months

Here's How This Woman Transformed Her Butt In 11 Months

The Eating And Exercise Regime Behind Scarlett Johansson’s Body

The Eating And Exercise Regime Behind Scarlett Johansson’s Body

Exactly What Margot Robbie Eats To Get Red Carpet-Ready

Exactly What Margot Robbie Eats To Get Red Carpet-Ready

The Strength Workout That Helped Brie Larson Get THAT Body

The Strength Workout That Helped Brie Larson Get THAT Body

WomensHealth
  • About Paragon Media
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Statement
  • Contact Paragon Media
  • Contact
  • Subscribe to Digital
  • About Paragon Media
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Statement
  • Contact Paragon Media
  • Contact
  • Subscribe to Digital

Brands

Our Network

  • Paragon Media Pty Ltd
  • Men’s Health
© 2021 Are Media PTY LTD
Get more from

Magazine Subscription Offer

Subscribe Now-

Shop This Offer
Subscribe Now